Founded in 1972, The Door empowers educationally and economically disadvantaged youth to reach their potential by providing a complete range of services all under one roof. Each year more than 11,000 young people from all five New York City boroughs come to The Door for primary health care, reproductive care, and health education; mental health counseling; legal services; GED classes; tutoring and homework help; college preparation; career development services, job training and placement; daily meals; supportive housing services; and arts, sports and recreational activities. It is the only place in New York City where at-risk youth can access such a wide array of services for free, confidentially and in one place.
The arts represent a crucial component to The Door’s services, often serving as an initial hook for young people who then feel comfortable accessing additional services. Thanks to several new and important funders, including Variety, The Door has been able to greatly expand its arts programming over the past year. Today we offer a wide range of intensive arts programs, including dance, music, vocal performance, visual and performing arts.
The best way to get to know The Door is to see it. Please take a look at our most recent video, featuring the stories of several young people whose lives were transformed through working with The Door: http://www.door.org/about-door (or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-MzQRTPt7M&list=UUTI_X7wHcmfmb4_Fec0WYvQ&feature=c4-overview)